Be proactive — don’t take your health for granted

I wouldn’t be alive today if other men had not urged me to be tested for prostate cancer.

In March of 2023, I followed their advice and asked my family doctor to request a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for me. I had to insist because current guidelines in Canada discourage doctors from ordering that test due to concerns about its accuracy and usefulness. Despite those concerns, I was tested and the number was quite high. I was then referred to a urologist in Winnipeg, who ordered another PSA test in order to make sure the first test result was accurate. That test came back with an even higher number.

Based on that, my urologist ordered a biopsy at CancerCare in Winnipeg and, three months after the first PSA test, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. My urologist said I would be dead in two years — that would have been last year — if it was not addressed quickly.

I had surgery three months later and I’m fine — not only because other men nudged me to get tested, but also because I had a family doctor who was willing to order the first test and then quickly referred me to a specialist. Another factor was that I was able to advocate for myself to get several diagnostic tests done quickly (by being on standby lists), in order to ensure that my surgery was not delayed while waiting for tests to be conducted.

I say that because many men don’t have family doctors, which means that serious problems are often diagnosed after it is too late to treat them successfully. Beyond that, many of them are unable to navigate the health-care system and advocate for themselves. They often need help, but are hesitant to ask for it.

Since my surgery, I have written about my cancer scare a few times, encouraging men to get regular PSA tests in order to watch for a shift in PSA levels, which could be a sign of problems. In response to my columns regarding the issue, hundreds of men have told me that they have been tested. In two cases, it led to prostate cancer being discovered and their illness being treated before it worsened.

I say all of that to say this: June is Men’s Health Month in Canada, and the week leading up to Father’s Day — tomorrow — is known as Men’s Health Week. It is the time each year when we raise awareness about the physical and mental health issues affecting men and boys, encourage preventative health screenings, and promote open conversations about well-being.

Here in Westman, the Prairie Mountain Health website points out that Canadian men are dying at an alarming rate from chronic illness, yet 70 per cent of men’s health problems are preventable by living healthier. It encourages men and boys to be screened for illnesses, eat healthy meals, exercise, get outdoors and check in with a friend.

The website also indicates that the suicide rate for men is three times higher than women, suggesting that is because men have been socialized to be strong, stoic and self-reliant, and because too many of them believe showing emotion and asking for help are signs of weakness. To make matters worse, the site says men are underserved by our traditional health and social service sectors. In my experience (which may not be the experience of others), women receive better and more timely care than men.

The PMH website also reminds us that whether you walk, jog, swim, bike or mow the lawn, any form of movement helps to improve physical and mental health. What the site doesn’t mention, however, is the corrosive impact of isolation on men. As we grow older, and perhaps as friends die or move away, we spend more time by ourselves and don’t make the effort to build new relationships. That can be hard on our mental health and happiness. Recognize the problem and take steps to correct it by regularly interacting with friends and taking part in new activities that could lead to new friendships. I hear that pickleball is great for both physical fitness and making new friends, and is especially popular with the over-50 crowd. Why not give it a shot?

Having said all of that, I’m not a doctor, but this is the advice that I give to the men in my world: Don’t take your health for granted. Make an appointment with your family doctor for a physical. If you don’t have a doctor, call Manitoba Health’s Family Doctor Finder at (866)-690-8260.

Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. If it’s bad, go to the ER. Just don’t fall into the dangerous trap of self-diagnosing or thinking it’s just a sign of getting older. Early detection can make a huge difference in outcomes.

Start eating right, get exercise and cut back on the alcohol. Find (or rediscover) activities you enjoy, keep in contact with your friends, get out of the house, see a movie, have date nights with your wife, call or Facetime with your kids and/or grandkids. Call your mom and dad while you still can.

Live your life. Do the things you’ve always wanted to do before your health prevents you from doing them. Don’t waste time, because none of us are here forever.

As I said, I wouldn’t be here if it were not for other guys giving me good advice. If the advice I have given you today is helpful, pass it on. We’re all in this together.